The Azores: Beautiful Islands in the Mid-Atlantic

In the middle of the Atlantic Ocean lies a virtually unknown paradise of unsurpassed beauty. Due to its oceanic isolation, the volcanic and green landscape is mostly preserved. Few people know of these isolated islands; fewer still visit them. Many who visit the Azores return, and some make it their home. Those who visit the Azores carry with them forever the green pastures divided by lava stones and the sound of the ocean crashing against the shore.

The Azores, an archipelago of nine islands, sit on the mid-Atlantic Ridge, about 2,110 miles from the American Continent and 760 miles from Lisbon on the European Continent. Seven of the islands are on the European plate; however, the two most western islands are on the American plate. Together they span a distance of 300 miles on the Atlantic Ocean. The Islands range in size and population from Corvo to São Miguel. Corvo has a mere 400 inhabitants and São Miguel has 132,000 inhabitants. The total population across the nine islands is about 244,000.

The weather in the Azores has a capricious personality. The temperatures range from 59º Fahrenheit in the winter to 77º Fahrenheit in the summer. However, here the saying "If you don't like the weather, wait five minutes" holds ever true. The morning may be grey and threatening, but after a few sprinkles of rain, the weather clears for a sunny afternoon. Due to the microclimates on each island, a 15-minute drive can be enough to change the weather from sun to grey or vice-versa.

A common thread of greenery and volcanic formations ties the landscape of the nine islands. All the islands have either beaches, natural rocky pools, or both. The average ocean temperature of 65° Fahrenheit invites everyone for a swim in the clear salt water. Although, these characteristics are common to all the islands, each is unique.

Santa Maria is the southernmost island. Measuring 37.6 square miles, it has two white sand beaches, Praia Formosa and S. Lourenço. Both of these beaches are excellent for paragliding. Anjos, on Santa Maria, is where Christopher Columbus landed on his return voyage from the Americas.

São Miguel is directly north of Santa Maria. It is the largest island measuring 293 square miles. São Miguel has a blue lake and a green lake side by side, sulfur geysers, hot springs, the traditional "cozido," cooked buried in the hot earth, green mountains, and valleys that stretch to a blue inviting ocean.

Terceira, meaning third, was the third island discovered. Measuring 147 square miles, Terceira Island has much history to offer. At one point in the history of Portugal it was the only piece of land the Spanish were unable to conquer. It is where you will find Angra do Heroísmo one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites. Terceira has a long history of religious festivities, which include bullfights both in the bullring and on the street.

Graciosa, the gracious as its name suggests, measures a mere 25 square miles. This island does not lack natural wonders. On Graciosa you will find a volcanic phenomenon: inside an underground cave is a 426-foot long hot sulfurous lake with a depth of 330 feet. Carapacho are natural thermal waters known for their healing power of rheumatic as well as skin ailments.

São Jorge is long and narrow measuring 30 miles in length and 4.3 miles in width. From São Jorge's Pico da Esperança you can see the entire island, as well as, Terceira, Graciosa, Pico, and Faial. São Jorge is known for its fajãs, which are small areas of flat fertile land at the bottom of seaside cliffs. Many of the populated areas of São Jorge are in the fajãs. São Jorge is also well known for the large yellow circles that contain a salty, tangy, and slightly cratered cheese.

Pico, the name literally means peak, was named for its imposing mountain. Measuring 172 square miles and an altitude of 7,715 feet, it boasts the tallest summit in Portugal. This is the island for climbers and fishermen. The island has a long and strong history of whaling, which has now been converted to whale and dolphin watching up close and in the water. Pico is also well known for its wine named "verdelho". The grapes are cultivated on the lava soil and protected by lava rock walls. After the ageing process, this is an excellent appetizer wine.

Faial is a mandatory port for all sailing the Atlantic Ocean. Its 67 square miles encompass a large modern sailing port, the now famous Peter Sport Café, magnificent views of the Pico mountain, and a volcanic cone of 1,450 meters in diameter and 400 meters deep full of flora. Although the hydrangeas are abundant on all the islands, it is on Faial that their invasion was complete. Hydrangeas line most roads and divide fields of grazing cattle.

Flores, or flowers, is simply covered with flowers and shrubbery of unsurpassed beauty. Measuring 55 square miles, it is the most western island of the archipelago. Along with Corvo, it is on the North American Tectonic plate. On Flores Island is a large geological monument created by solidifying lava in vertical lines named Rocha dos Bordões (Rock Staffs). Additionally, Flores Island has about 20 waterfalls of varying sizes.Corvo is the smallest island of the archipelago measuring a mere 6.75 square miles. Near the island of Flores, it is a true rock in the middle of the ocean. The Caldeirão is a volcanic cone on Corvo. The lakes present in the cone contain several islands reminiscent of the layout of the nine islands of the Azores.

Whether you visit one, or all the islands, you see green pastures divided by walls made of black basalt and lava stones, roads lined with blue, white, and purple hydrangeas, a background of sky speckled with clouds, and a deep blue ocean. On any of the islands, you can wake to a walk through cobblestone streets and ancient churches, lunch in the middle of a pasture or wood, cool off with an afternoon swim while the fish nibble your feet, and end your evening strolling through an old plaza.